Richard Yates was not a happy man. At least, on the basis of his writing, he didn't have the best time. Unless perhaps he was one of those whose life was perfect, so he had to write the most miserable fiction possible? Either way, Revolutionary Road doesn't provide a particularly glowing view of relationships, as a married couple in the late forties contend with alcoholism, gender politics and extra-marital affairs. Sam Mendes's film adaptation has the same detached, artistic elegance as his debut American Beauty, and is afforded some extra emotional intensity by casting the eternal romantic pairing of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet from Titanic as the central couple. Seeing how it might have turned out for Jack and Rose is a kick in the heart. Post-viewing relationship status: Thankful that you don't live in the fifties, albeit doubting you can make it work if even Kate and Leo can't.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
